Trinidad Jame$ was invited to Brooklyn to celebrate the launch of Converse's CONS Holiday 2013 collection last night. During his set, he used the stage at the Converse Rubber Track Studios as a pulpit, delivering a stream-of-conscious rant shortly after performing his verse on the "Work (Remix)" by A$AP Ferg. Trinidad started by apologizing to the fans for his rant, saying that he'd rather have "ten niggas in here buy my album." He then went into detail about his album, saying it would be coming out next year and that it was "better than all this bullshit that these niggas are feeding you."
While Trinidad did not elaborate on which artists were providing fans with "bullshit," he did give an example of who was providing quality music, and that's where the rant went down a controversial path:
But now, the nigga that we been knew [was good] is coming and saying shit like 'He's the king of New York.' What is that? I remember when New York ran this shit, dawg. When Dipset was turned the fuck up! We were in Atlanta like 'Oh my God, I have to wear my bandana on tilt like Juelz [Santana]. What the fuck happened, dawg? Us in the South, us 'bammas, we just did our own thing. But now we run y'all musically. That's crazy.
It is not exactly clear what prompted the rant, but it is clear from video footage of parts of his set that the energy was off. He paused between songs to offer comments about his financial security and what his music career means to him. The crowd reaction seemed light for his set most of the night, and he ended up performing parts of his biggest song, "All Gold Everything," acapella. Whereas last year, people were chanting the song's well-known line, "Popped a molly, I'm sweating" with fervor, even in New York City, the audience was nearly silent this go-around.
Meanwhile, Trinidad's rant led to security precautions at the venue. AG Da Coroner, a member of the Outdoorsmen collective (that also features Action Bronson), said that security cleared the backstage area prior to the Atlanta native's set being completed. According to AG, Trinidad "ran into the backstage room" with his own security and "locked the door." AG, a proud New Yorker, did not hear the rant as he was backstage, but was offended by the comments. However, he left the venue, saying "There's no way I was getting back there, because they're going to hold him in that room until everybody leaves.
Trinidad offered his own take on the incident with his Instagram account. Trinidad said:
None
It is worth noting that opening up for Trinidad at the event was Brooklyn's RATKING, a group with a much different sound and style. Not everyone in the crowd appeared to be receptive to their set, which created anticipation for Trinidad's set that was ultimately derailed by his antics.
Please get off the stage... they are making me look forward to Trinidad James performing.... #conversecons
So Trinidad James is giving a lecture on his struggles in the industry.... HORRIBLE... #WANNABEKANYE #ShutUp
whatever i'm witnessing has lasted entirely too long. never thought i'd see the day that i'd be excited to see Trinidad James.
Trinidad been on stage a cool 5 minutes preaching. nigga, kick some hood shit and stop talking!
I'm only here for Trinidad James.
Trinidad James going through some shit... Cut his crew off. Starting over. I just want all gold everything.
UPDATE: Trinidad Jame$ is now coming under fire for his comments from New York rappers such as Smoke DZA and Maino. The latter has vowed to "break" Trinidad when they see each other. Trinidad explained that his comments were moreso an attack on New York City radio and the music they put in rotation.
Never hold ur words 4 no 1. Their nvr worth It. Most of y'all niggas choking from hiding who u really R. Haha.. Live a lil niggas die a lot.
@TrinidadJamesGG u buggin
@smokedza if you the real nigga that I know you to be then you can hit my line and stop listening to these fuck niggas in yo city. U Kno Me.
@TrinidadJamesGG i just did! voicemail
after we clean this guy @trinidadjamesGG up I'm straighten a few of u NY niggas out for being the Vaginas that u R!
Heyy buddy @trinidadjamesGG I'll be ur Huckleberry! Lol imma brush those teeth when I see u baby boy. U a street nigga rite? Lmao
@mainohustlehard you a real nigga Bruh. You don't have to say that on twitter. You better than that. u can hit my line my nigga. That's 100
@TrinidadJamesGG definitely my brother. And u do know my Word is my life so when I say imma break u. ... http://t.co/b5ryrlYWTZ
Black Dave....Troy Ave....Dave east....SmokeDza...Joey badass... Artist who keep it NY and get no support. AM I LYING? Future Run NY radio.
